KEEPING SCHOOL BAGS LIGHT

Protecting kids’ health and learning

With the new school year just around the corner, students and parents are busy preparing for a fresh start filled with learning, growth and limitless possibilities.
Among the many essentials, a school bag ranks as one of the most important items on every back-to-school checklist. However, with a vast array of options available, selecting a backpack that is both reliable and suitable can often feel overwhelming.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is dedicated to the integrated development of students at all educational levels.
In line with this commitment, the ministry has drawn attention to the serious issue of heavy school bags, particularly for younger students in grades 1 to 4, due to their significant impact on children’s health and learning.
Scientific research has established that carrying a heavy backpack can lead to a variety of health problems. These include spinal deformities, muscle strains, sprains and gait disturbances that increase the risk of falls or injuries.
The physical discomfort caused by heavy bags often results in mental distraction and aversion to studying, with psychological and academic consequences that can affect students well into adulthood.
To combat these challenges, student health authorities have outlined clear specifications for safe school bags. Such backpacks should be made from comfortable, durable and safe materials, lightweight when empty, and must not exceed 10 per cent of the student’s body weight when loaded. They should feature wide, soft-padded shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the shoulders. Adjustable straps allow the bag to fit each student’s size properly. Multiple compartments help distribute weight more evenly, and the bag’s size should cover only the upper back down to the ribs without extending beyond the waist to prevent undue strain.
The MoE has also adopted practical measures to reduce the overall burden on students. These include limiting the number of textbooks carried daily by using shorter books and coordinating assignments between teachers to prevent overloading.
The promotion of e-books and digital learning resources provides students and parents with easy access to study materials. Additionally, schools have begun providing lockers in classrooms for storage, and materials for skill-based subjects are kept on-site to reduce what students carry home.
For many children, the ideal school bag might be colourful and adorned with favourite cartoon characters, but for parents, safety, quality, proper size and affordability are paramount.
Health experts in Oman emphasise that the effects of heavy school bags extend beyond physical health; they also influence students’ mental well-being and academic performance. Carrying excessive weight often leads to increased fatigue, poor concentration, heightened anxiety and stress.
International organisations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization support these concerns. They recommend reducing the weight of school bags and raising awareness among parents and educators to safeguard the health and future of students.